What are you doing with DCs whilst you give birth?

[BoyMeetsWorld]

This probably sounds like a stupid question but we can't get our head round it so are looking for inspiration!

DS is 4. Baby due in Nov, whilst DS in school time if it comes on due date. We have no relatives for 2.5 hours away, apart from my DM. She would've helped but has MH issues which have recently got a lot worse so really don't feel safe sending DS to her, even for a short time.

But what can we do with him when I'm in labour?? Obviously I'll try to stay at home & keep quiet as long as possible. I'm planning on having baby (fx all being well) at the MLU 10 mins away.

But the only options I can see are to beg friends - who of course work themselves so can't disrupt their own day plus DS' school is miles away. & we won't have any clue what time of day or night it could happen!! OR DH would have to stay with DS & leave me on my own at the MLU which scares me a bit & is pretty unfair on him.

Would really appreciate your thoughts & experiences

Maybe consider a homebirth ?

I've spoken to a friend who is prepared to look after dd for the 2hrs it should take for my Mum to get here (especially if things progress quickly - she might make it without the need for my friend). Could you do something similar?
My friend was completely honoured to have been asked and was grinning ear to ear to be involved. She's even said middle of the night would be fine - and they have a dd that is also 2 - so it will be a big ask - but at least if they know longer term help is on the way it shouldn't be too bad.

I found that, even with the unpredictability of due date and how long they might be letting themselves in for, friends do step up to the mark. I had no family to call on, and a lovely friend with DC similar age to my own said "yes of course".

Yes, be frank about what level of embuggerance might be involved, but don't think it's too much to ask. This is the kind of drama that it's an honour to be part of.

If you have good friends, then I'd let them know & ask if there's anyway they can help - I reckon you'll find one who is happy to help.

Alternatively, like you say, your DH stays with your DC & you go alone. Not great, but will be ok.

Good luck!

Its very likely Im going to end up on my own &dp will look after the dc. Ive considered a homebirth but in some respects Thats worse as i will have to get every one out of the house...they won't leave me alone-i just know it!

Ive 4 at home ranging from 21-5. One of the dc has SN. Hopefully 21yr old will have moved out so won't be around to help with child care. We have no family or close friends in this city.

It dosnt really scare me but its not ideal.

Df is looking after the dc whilst I go into hospital, my best friend is my birthing partner, once dd2 arrives df and the kids will visit and are able to stay as long as they like but best friend will likely take dc home so df and I can have some quiet time with the new baby.

If all goes to plan I may well have a sleekit home birth I labour very fast.

It's a massive compliment to any friend you might ask to do this and the answer is almost undoubtedly going to be yes. It would be worth making sure your ds has at least been tot he person's house in advance, and you'll need to make up a grab-bag for your ds so you don't have to be thinking about that while in labour.

I live in another country, no family here. Dropped my ds1 and 2 at my boss's house at 3.30am and ds3 was born just over an hour later. My kids went to school as usual with her boys and my dh picked them up at the end of the day. People will help out, they really will, and they'll love doing it.

im in the same situation as you ive got a home birth planned baby due in novemeber 2nd and ive got 2 dcs in the event i have to go to hospital dh will be staying at home we have no family close by so its a real issue im hoping my baby decides to come out during the day so childcare wont be a issue good luck BoyMeetsWorld